Clark, how are ya?
Hi everybody,
Welcome to the “Chris Knox had a stroke and everyone wants to know how he is, how the hell are we gonna keep you all updated all at once” blog.
We’ll try to keep this as up to date as we can – in this first post is a statement we sent out to the media this afternoon. You can leave well wishes in the ‘comments’ section below. We love hearing from you.
Cheese,
Chris’s family and friends
15th June 2009
Media statement from Ward-Knox family
Re: Chris Knox
“We have been overwhelmed by the level of support for Chris from around the world since his stroke. We’d like to express our thanks to everyone who has helped or wished us well in the last few days.
“Like many other families who are currently experiencing a similar change to their lives we are learning a great deal about strokes and their long-term effects. We have learned that it is too early to predict the ramifications of a stroke with any degree of accuracy. However, positive anecdotes have been flooding in which fill us all with hope.
“Chris is not in pain and is responsive to family and friends who are very optimistic and focused on Chris’s well being. He enjoyed his vegetable frittata this morning but I suffered the classic Knox withering look when I mentioned beer.
“As the situation becomes clearer to us we will happily inform those who wish to know.
“We have created a site at chrisknox.blogtown.co.nz for this purpose. We aim to keep this site as current as possible.”
Family contact – Roy Martyn
Thanks for doing this — it’s a great idea.
Love and best wishes to Chris, and tell him I’ll come and see him when the rush subsides.
You can also tell him I said it’s a funny old way to finally get himself a blog
Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Had a stroke a few years back and was much the same as has been reported for you Chris. There is plenty of light through your tunnel. Happy to tell you,I got back to walking pretty quick and talking really quick.Determination is what you need but you knew that right? Good vege panninis across from the hospital if you don’t like the hospital food. Stay strong
xx
Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Chris.
Hi Chris, Barbara, Leisha, John, and others helping,
I’ve been in shock ever since hearing the news late last week. You’ve been in my thoughts ever since.
My Dad had a stroke a number of years ago but is showing absolutely no ill efects nowadays so recovery does occur. Stay strong & positive
Thanks so much for doing this blog. Excellent idea!!!
Cheers. xx
All love and wishes to Chris and Barbara and everyone else. I’m thinking of you lots, for what that is worth. A hell of a shock, and thanks so much for putting a blog together about it.
Jordan Carter
Much love and best wishes to you all. Positive stroke story – my father had one, albeit more minor, and after a bit of time, made a full recovery. Brains are such cheeky unpredictable things. Chris, you’re a bloody legend and an inspiration – don’t ever give up hope.
Best wishes Chris, and family. I’m certain you’ll be meeting this challenge with all the same wit, wisdom and determination you muster in everything else you do! Get well soon.
All the very best buddy. I’m a long way away so it’s hard to get into to see you, but thinking of you.
Simon
No surprise that we’re all so keen to hear about Chris’ recovery – I’ve had the pleasure of three highly enjoyable, random and absorbing chats with him over the years and bet there are countless other fans out there who he’s taken the time to share a few stories with at gigs and movies, and who – like me – are sending him positive thoughts and wishes
My very best thoughts are with you all also, as his family and friends, as you support him and each other through this challenging time.
From all the team here at Perreaux we wish Chris a very speedy recovery. We were saddened to hear the news over the weekend.
Thank you for setting up this blog so we can all keep up to date with Chris’ progress.
best wishes to you and your family.
Hey Chris – wishing you a speedy recovery and my thoughts are with you and your family. Johnny Francis and I helped pay your bills way back in the late 80s when you wrote and drew cartoons for Tearaway Magazine. It was money well spent. You wrote your articles by hand and they were a piece of art in their own right. Your music has always been an inspiration and I’m about 5% deafer because of Dogma, but that’s OK. Kia kaha.
i say all will be fine with crisp knocks. ‘hospital frittata’ will become subject matter for a cartoon
speedy recovery and best wishes to the whanau.
Hi Chris, All the best from old Invercargill friends, neighbours, schoolmates, and Southland Musos Club. Wishing you a speedy recovery. If there is anything that we can do from this end of country please be sure to let me know.
Get well soon Chris, our thoughts are with you and your family.
I’ll have an Epic for ya Chris! Best wishes to you and Barbara. And gidday to you too, Roy.
Very shocked to hear this news but am sending lots of love your way Chris and Barbara- and to the rest of the family. Chris, you are an absolute icon and a generous man. Best wishes
may all the dark clouds be whisked away and you are back in your summertime stance SOON!! much love, and not given lightly whatsoever, Ms. Snail
Thanks for your music over the years. Good luck with a speedy recovery.
Kia ora Chris me tou whanau.
Kei konā kei a koutou ngā whakaaro. Me te aroha nui atu o mātou katoa.
I come from a whanau afflicted by strokes and I understand how frightening this time is. It is great news that you are recovering, no matter how slowly and carefully. I just want you to know, on behalf of the Greens and from me personally, that our thoughts are with you. Lots of love from us all.
Metiria
Best to you and the family mate. That the friends and family still have the sense of humour to list the article’s tags, in descending order, as “Chris Knox, frittata, stroke” give all of us (and we are legion) hope.
Arohanui from me (and my wife Terry too!) – we’re thinking of you.
Hi there Chris Barb and kids,
Sorry it has to take something like this for me to get in touch, Ian let me know last night.
I’ll be putting in prayer requests for your speedy recover which should mean that 10’s of thousands throughout Australia will be praying for you!! So expect to make a 100% recovery very soon and easily!!
I’ll be over in ChCh in Aug and will keep in touch with your fantastic progress through this and Ian.
Take care and look after yourselves and GOD BLESS
xoxoxoxo Mwah Janine Saundercock Plaything xoxoxooxoxoxoxxo
Great idea! Sending love and best wishes to all xx
Hi Leisha & Whanau,
I’m sending lots of positive energy your way, I was so shocked to hear about Chris’s stroke.
Chris you’ve been an inspiration to me since I bought my first Toy Love single in 1981 (or was that 1891?), all the best for the recovery process ahead.
Kia Kaha
With all good wishes, to a great nonconformist, for the speediest of recoveries.
Kia Ora Ward-Knox whanau,
Best for the recovery Chris, and for the road ahead for you all..
Hope to hear some new Knox tunes soon…
Best wishes,
darryl.
Chris, you’ve touched many people with your music, your personality and your inspiration.
I’m among them and am now thinking of you and your family, sending you truckloads of good vibes and all manner of positive energy
I wish you all the best buddy … no doubt you’ll surprise us all with a speedy recovery.
Stay strong!!!
Hi Chris Knox
please feel all the love and respect for you, heal quickly. Walk and talk and be back on as before or I’ll come and sing Chiquititta by ABBA out of tune outside your room again and again and again.
Am sending many thoughts your way re you totally recovering
lots of love to you
John
I was very upset to hear the news on Friday at The Chills’ show in Auckland (like most of the audience, judging from the horrified general gasp after the announcement from the stage). Please send our very best wishes, from a random couple Chris and Barbara stayed with in Houston, TX in about 2001 (he was supporting Yo La Tengo and their accommodation fell through). He drew me a much-treasured thank-you cartoon, and they were both so nice to us. Get well soon!
Hi Chris, Barbara, Leisha and John – my love and thoughts are with you xx
Hey Guys
Just wanting to let you all know that we are thinking of you and we have our fingers and toes crossed for a speedy recovery. If there is anything we can do please do not hesitate to ask.
Speedy healing Chris! Hope to see ya back on the stage (and on my stereo)soon.
Kia Ora,
Chris, I don’t know you personally, but have always enjoyed your music and gigs.
All the best for a quick recovery.
Kia Kaha,
Jenny
Chris, Barbara and fam,
sending my aroha your way and hoping you feel better soon,
phoebe
Dear Chris,
Thinking of you & yours and wishing you a speedy recovery.
Felicity
Hi Chris & Barbara, John & Leisha
We are thinking of you from down here in the Antarctic… news travels to Wellington too. Shocking news, but we are absolutely convinced that you will be up and at ‘em in a flash.
Take care – all of you – and we will keep an eye on the blog to keep up to date.
Love and best wishes
The Cotton-Coffeys
Dear Chris,
Thinking of you & yours and wishing you a speedy recovery.
Hi Chris,
Lots of love for a speedy recovery. Glad to hear you are on the mend – I am playing lots of your music as a reminder of how precious you are to the NZ music community. Hope the hospital is not too uninspiring and you are dreaming up some great ideas for your next album…
Dear Chris and family,
Much love, support and warm, positive energy from us to you.
See you round and about soon.
The Colemans.
Best wishes Chris and Family
Just a fan who still has Tall Dwarfs on vinyl. Your music has provided a lot of joy for me over the years.
Cheers
Mark
Kia kaha mate. Best wishes to you and your family. Hope to see you up about real soon.
Kia ora, Chris
There’s a discussion over on the 48 Hours film competition forums from people remembering the great contribution and support you made as a judge in the Auckland side of the comp, and sending their thoughts and best wishes.
My thoughts are with you, and I hope you have a speedy recovery.
thanks for putting a blog together – really glad to be able to find out how Chris is doing – yes from what I understand it may be a while before you guys know what’s what but I’m wishing you all the strength in the world.
much love
k
Sending you lots of love Barbara and Chris, from the Kings.
Kia kaha Knox-Ward family and a speedy recovery Chris. You bring smiles to many dials and all thoughts are with you all.
Richard
Have a speedy recovery Chris; it’s not time to lose your special creative genius. Thanks for the words over the years. You’ve been an inspiration for more people than you might ever be aware of. I hope these messages inspire you back to good health.
Hi Chris,
Healing thoughts to you and best wishes for a speedy recovery!!
From someone who has long appreciated your music, gigs, and humour..
thanks,
Martin.
Much love and prayers coming you way to you Chris and Barbara, John and liesha. A good friend of mine had a severe stroke a couple of years ago and he has recovered well and managed the journey. You are all strong and special and it was lovely to see you again a week or so ago . Courage and love to you and heres to healing and expressing this later. much love , Kia Kaha , Cesca and my family xx
To Chris, Barbara and kids,
There must be a cartoon in this!
From someone who loved your music long before Vogel’s discovered it, be strong. Just one step at a time.
Kind thoughts,
Linda Clark
PS I like the Chiquititta idea. I’m sure if you need that kind of incentive we could muster quite a turn-out.
hey chris
my best wishes and prayers go out to you and your family.
you are one of the strongest characeters i have ever met
i am sure you will kick butt real soon
still my fav nz singer ever
u rok mate
love to you
Buster stiggs
Hi Chris, Barbara, Leisha and John, love and best wishes to you all.
Paul, Kaye, Rose and Annabel
All the best Chris and family.
Lots of good healing vibes coming your direction from London
Mike Gina Honey and Lei Lei
My first encounter was 1983 when a school friend loaned me a copy of “Louis Likes His Daily Dip” and since then i’ve been mesmerised, compelled, scarified, and affected by the commonsense and activism and humanism and all-round terrificness of Chris Knox. Damn, but get well! i’m zoning all manner of positive vibes and good things from Sandringham up to the hospital there, and back to Grey Lynn.
Will never forget you Chris – saved me from despondency way back in 1978, Beneficiary’s Hall, Dunedin. Maybe my prayers can help you some way.
Hi to Chris and Allison
All is not lost as we will watch what emerges out of this darkness!
No doubt an even more creative and edgier re birth.
I know you can rise again Chris, having watched you in The Enemy and even crazier Toy Love nites in Ak and Sydney.
All ways a true inspiration
Aroha
Roz
much love to you and your family, chris … you make all of our lives a bit lighter and brighter. speedy recovery wishes from dunedin!
We’re thinking of you too, all the best to you all. X Genevieve
We were watching a cut of Regan Gentry today and it was just like you were in the room! We’ve had a lot of fun so far eh??? John xx
Dear Chris and Family,
We’re thinking of you too, all the best to you all. Genevieve X
We were watching a cut of Regan Gentry today and it was just like you were in the room! We’ve had a lot of fun so far eh???xx John
Love and best wishes to Chris and everybody who cares for him from a fan in the Netherlands.
Hey Chris,
We luv you bud be strong & come back as you have done many times before.
love & hugs the Barron familly
Thanks Chris for all the music you’ve brought into the world as player, producer and as a source of inspiration to many. I hope everything goes as well as it possibly can.
Simon from Norway
Lots of love to you and your family, Chris!
–Mike McGonigal
Dear Chris and family & friends
All the best for this difficult time. Your music has provided me with a great deal of pleasure over the years.
Keep trucking. My dad had three strokes and he can play football all over again now. take it as an enforced rest… all the best from the Pine crew. Stephen
Hi Chris
Mate, rest up and get yourself ready for 09/09/09. I’m coming over with the Beatles remasters so we can do some serious studying!
Lot’s of people at Steve Hoffman forums wishing you well.
Thinking of you, La’.
Chris Mousdale
I hope you make a full recovery. We need that cheeky grin of yours.
Chris and family and friends, just wanted to send you all positive vibes and wish Chris a full and speedy recovery.
Make a speedy recovery Chris. Thinking of you and your family.
Peace, love and get well soon…
All the best from Germany! Get well soon!
wow, this came as a real shock to me. i don’t know Chris personally but have been a big fan/supporter of his multifarious works over the years. and he certainly had an impact on my own(and some of my closer friends)musical projects over the years. he brought the world the first good Fall(my #1 fave band,bar none) live lp. his 4 track was used in an astounding # of pivotal NZ underground recordings (Thed Clean, TKOP,etc,etc) and he’s also a VERY funny/charming and warm person by all indications. he’s someone whose prescence in my music collection(s) is so strong i almost feel i DO know him. as such it greatly saddens my heart to hear this news and hope for a full recovery. for him and his family. i know from experience the toll such illnesses can have on everyone concerned as well as the patient. much love and hope to all of you…….joel
I hope your doing as best as you can bro. much aroha to you and your family!
Dear Chris & family,
Within the past year I’ve become a fairly rabid convert of “the one man revolution”, there’s no measure to the delight Chris’s creativeness has given me during this time, so I am deeply concerned to hear this news.
A case like Edwyn Collins is hope giving, I watched the very moving Home Again documentary in May last year, all about his rehabilitation and recovery.
I wish you all similar reserves of strength and the very best of luck.
Best wishes for recovery and strength to deal with all this. Hope to see the “Mayor of Grey Lynn” storming about the Fifedom again soon.
Dear Chris:
Thinking of you. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Michael
Wishing you a full recovery, mate. Thinking of you in the city of the angels. – Best regards from Ron Kane and Dorothy Daniel
Oh! Just this minute heard the news. Good vibes to Chris and his family from France…
Good luck,
thoughts are with you, can’t wait till you make some more music.
-bela koe-krompecher
My thoughts are with Chris and his family. I know if anyone can beat this, he can. Chris, the world needs you up and making music! I’m sending as much healing energy as I can!
Hey chris angelo from bleeders here,heard about ya stroke..hope your doing ok and wish you a speedy recovery.take care and all the best from me and the band!-angelo
To Chris and family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Chris, if anyone can beat this, it’s you. So many people are sending you powerful healing thoughts. You are loved.
Dave and Julia
Dear Chris and Barbara-
Can you feel the healing love vibes flowing your way from all corners of the earth? We’re all pulling for you, Chris! If anyone can beat this you can!
Love and more love to a great and good man,
Jim and Mary
Wishing you a very fast and thorough recovery!
Hi Chris, best wishes from Germany. We met 20 years ago, you were the most impressing personaliy who appeared in our venue and I always enjoyed yours works & music. I was really shocked, but I hope you`ll come back quickly.
All the best for you and “Gute Besserung”
Michael
Chris and family:
My thoughts are with you. I’m an American fan, have been one for 25 years, since Slugbucket Hairybreath Monster. Your music is amazing, inspiring and has been a big constant in my life.
My dad also had a stroke five years ago – they thought he wasn’t going to make it through the night – three weeks later he was going home on his own power. It was slow, but I would say he’s 100% now.
PLEASE GET WELL – HEALING VIBES COMING YOUR WAY!
and thank you family, for setting this up.
Hi, Chris. I heard about this via email, been keeping tabs on your progress via google and now communicating with you via a blog: You’ve obviously tackled your technophobia…so I feel fairly certain you can also beat this!
I’ve been thinking about you a lot the last couple days and feel pretty helpless being so far away. If there is anything I can do stateside for you, Barbara and the kids (who I guess are adults now!), please let me know.
Thanks for starting this blog, this is so helpful!
I love you, man!….Glenn Boothe (Chapel Hill, NC)
ps: Last time we spoke, you were going to send me you new CD. I realize your priorities have changed now (so I’ll give you a few more days to mail it!)
Hi Chris,
It’s your old pal from Boston, MA USA. You’re one of the toughest and funniest humans I know. You’ll be out causing trouble again in no time! I’m sending all positive vibes to you, anything to get you up on your flip-flop shod feet. Miss you to shreds. Best wishes for a logic defying recovery. Please come back to this hemisphere soon.
Chris and family,
Ian from The Record Room here. Greatly saddened to hear the news, but I know brighter days are just around the corner. Chris, you are a great friend and hero to me and all of us at the Room. And such a brilliant talent. Get WELL, and I’ll keep the Room lit for your return, so you can again tell us HOW IT IS.
Love, wishes, prayers from your friend,
Ian
Chris (and Barbara and family) -
I’m sending all my support your way from NYC.
You are very much loved – and I know you will recover from this with your usual unflappable energy.
xx errol
Wishing you a fast recovery from the States.
We love you Chris!
Dear Chris–
Love to you and Barbara and best wishes for a full recovery !
I know all the people you have touched around the bay are thinking of you!
Chris,
We are thinking about you here in Athens, GA. Best wishes for a speedy recovery! John Fernandes
Chris, nothing but best wishes and good feelings coming your way from me. It’s been a total pleasure becoming acquainted with you (albeit just through the computer), and I totally treasure the personalized cartoon you drew me on the CD you sent. Pretty amazing stuff. You’re a top cat, Chris; get better soon and liven up the place again. The world would be far more drab if you weren’t around.
Luv ya, man.
Jason
Chris and family- You have been constantly in my thoughts. I was selling merchandise for Superchunk in 1995 and shared a tour bus with Chris for a brief stint. I have thought very fondly of that time and how lucky I was to see a genius at work for those few days (not to mention the sunny conversation, humor and crossword puzzles).
Sending you strength, love and well wishes from Chapel Hill, NC. -Jennifurchandise
Get well soon!
The Mike Brown family
Chris, Barbara, John, Leisha
Positive and healing thoughts coming your way from San Francisco.
Laura
Dear Chris and Family,
Love and healing thoughts from San Francisco.
Jonathan
Chris, Barbara, Leisha, John:
Much love from up here in NYC! Thinking of you all warmly, and remembering always the AK night-sky spread over your backyard…
Your friend,
mike wolf
found this article:
http://www.spinner.com/2009/06/15/tall-dwarfs-chris-knox-recovering-from-stroke/
Hi Chris,
So sorry to hear about all this. I have no doubt you’ll be fine, though, can’t picture you just laying down and accepting life under any terms but your own. (You legendary icons are all the same.) Keep your spirits up my friend, get yourself some rest for awhile and remember there’s some serious love coming your way from all of us at the Record Room. Best to ya always, brother.
I was just reading the sad news of this and, while I was telling my wife, my computer’s iTunes began playing “Meet The Beatle.” Considering it had over 4100 choices of songs and hundreds of artists to choose from, I say this must be a sign.
Best of luck in a speedy recovery from a fan all the way in Connecticut, USA.
Ben
terrible blow – best wishes for a speedy recovery…thoughts are with you and your loved ones!
love from NYC
best wishes to Chris and the family and hope he makes a speedy recovery
Chris, i just read the news over at The Cast/Record Room message board; best wishes for a speedy recovery. I’ll listen to the amazing Buffy and send lots of good thoughts your way. Be strong; can’t wait to see you back on the board!
Best wishes and good vibrations,
Susan
Chris! The Pioneers never had more fun than that week we got to spend on the road w you and your wife — get well soon!!!
wishing you strength and hope. will keep checking the blog.
Chris and his music have been a steady force in my life since I 1st heard it so long ago. Only having the pleasure of meeting him a handful of times I’m assured if anyone can beat something like this it is Chris. Don’t think I’ve ever met someone with as much determination and with so much to offer us all. I’m thinking about him and his family everyday.
Hello Chris! I was the weird fellow who flew halfway across the country to see you and Alec headline at Local 506 in Chapel Hill several years ago. I’ll never forget how illuminating that show was. I learned something very important from that show: “SHOW MUST ALWAYS GO ON, AND HAVE FUN”. It’s tattooed under my eyelids, and I know you will take that motto to mind.
My best to you and your family and friends!
Brian
big dollops of love and strength to you chris and your wonderful family. and thanks to your support team for making this blog possible. much appreciated.
get well soon & come back to SF!
love,
The Skygreen Leopards
Hey Chris – word has finally filtered down to me – I hope you get well soon!
I will never forget how you wrapped me up as a present the 1st time we met
Sending lots of healing spells and thoughts and vibes and whatevers your way
Hope to see you back here in Dunedin one day in the future
*big gentle hugs*
Gaylene.
Chris, Barbara & family
My thoughts are with you all at this time. Best wishes for one strong and speedy recovery.
Much Love
Sandi
Dear Chris, Barbara, Leisha and John, hey i heard today, i am in Paris with my kids and Sara for three months, we wish you a speedy recovery, everyone here who knows you sends their love and support too, arohanui, Michael Morley and Sara Stephenson and Molly and Luc. XXX
Chris, your indomitable spirit will get you through this, I’m sure you know that. I bet you’re already planning a new album about the whole experience! Me, P, our 2 cats and all the TurkbyTone Rekkids staff send our best wishes to you and your family.
Hi Chris,
Can’t believe news of you “popped up” on aol in New York. The lengths some people will go to be famous!
Its been a few years since I’ve seen you but glad to hear you haven’t lost your sense of humour.
Do hope you are feeling a little better after all these well wishes.
Kindest regards to you and all your family.
Will try to catch up in NZ next time we’re back home.
Debra Mackinnon
Chris and Family-
It was just several weeks ago that we spent a couple days with Chris and his TV crew, filming a sequence for his show New Artland. I was with a group of radio controlled helicopter flyers down here who assisted with an art piece designed by Regan Gentry- and Chris and the crew were here to capture the attempt.
Chris was very outgoing to all of us guys, and we enjoyed spending time with him. On behalf of all of the heli guys down here, we send our warmest thoughts and support to Chris and his family through this tough time.
One final note- I was too embarrased to admit to Chris that I can ‘play’ ‘Not Given Lightly’ on my uke… I wasn’t certain if he would have been pleased to hear that news
Best wishes- G2
Hey Chris….page 2 on aol no less. That’s pretty damn good!
All strength to Chris and his family
From the depths of forty years ago, when we grew up together in Invercargill: Chris – my thoughts and prayers are with you, and with Barbara and the family. Love – Jeremy
Dear Chris and Family, sending love and best wishes your way. Glenys
Best wishes from Ohio. I had the chance to meet Chris in the early 90’s when the Tall Dwarfs played in Philadelphia with Yo La Tengo, and I still treasure the experience. Chris, you’ve got a lot of friends out here who are pulling for you!
Hi Chris,
My Mum had a stroke several years ago and for a few days could not speak coherently or use her hands
properly. The speech came back fairly quickly.
She reckons that the way to full physical recovery is to do with determination all that the physio tasks you with. Do it when they’re not looking too!. Just keep doing it!.
She now helps stroke victims recover.
All of the regulars at the Bodega wish you a speedy recovery.
Ever since you hauled me on stage in ‘79 at the Awapuni in Palmy to sing the chorus of Yummy Yummy , I have followed your music. Always an inspiration, always a pleasure.
Wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery.
I had a right brain stroke 13 years ago at age 58. I will share what it may take for you to get back where you want to be. Learn to laugh out loud and never, never give up. If I could do it, so can you.
Hang in there.
hey chris,
thinking of you and your family, if anyone’s gonna make a full recovery, it will be you.
love jol
Never met the man. Loved the couple Tall Dwarves records I’ve listened to. Loved the Pop Vulture cartoons. Great thoughtful reviews of films. Love NZ music and the NZ sensibility as I imagine it. And Chris really epitomises that sensibilty for me. Best wishes.
Big love to you and your family, Chris. Been thinking of you and Barbara every day, down here in frosty Nelson…
Best wishes Chris! Get well soon!
All our love to you, Barbara and Chris. You are in our thoughts and porayers.
Chris & whanau,
Sending lot’s of love and positive thoughts. Hang in there! We know you’re a tough (oldish) bugger:)
Sarahx
Barbara et al,
Check out My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte. Really good explanation of what it’s like to have a stroke – recommended reading by Stroke Foundation of NZ. Inspiring for those who have had a stroke and are facing rehab, REALLY helpful for the family and friends who want to do all they can….
I don’t know you but feel compelled to send positive vibes over the ‘net to you and your family.
There is no shortage of love for you Chris Knox.
Kia Kaha
So, there we were, just shooting the breeze on K’Rd (and, presumably, this wasn’t the time you, concerned about my welfare, awakened me from that bus-bench in the wee hours), when an excitable interruption broke in. “Hey Chris! You’re amazing! I’ve got some of your stuff. And…”, well, the rest of it slips me mind. What I’ll never forget though is the reply. “Buy the back catalogue”. I was impressed by your attitude, and response, to the fame and admiration that’s followed you since 1978. Over the years similar scenes have played out a number of times – I’ve witnessed a few of them too. It appeared to embarrassed you, but you handled it with a rare Style and with your very-own (what else) version of Aplomb. That’s why I’m here. And also because I reckon we came up the same way: “As soon as you’re born, They make you feel small; by giving you no time, instead of it all…”. And, finally, to assure you I still owe you money! (And I’ll be comin’ to see you about it, just as soon as we’re both able…). Say hello to Barbara, John and Leisha from me mate. We’ll speak soon.
Dear Chris and Family,
This is a complete surprise and reminder of how important it is to cherish and celebrate this wonderful and challenging life. At each moment. Thank you Chris for this precious moment.
I/we are all shocked to learn of your stroke, but I am enjoying the flood of reminiscing and memories about your wonderful music, your attitude, your energy.
Did you know my dad dragged me along to one of your parties when I was just a wee thing? Long before I knew who or what the Chris Knox Phenomenon was…and then we have had the absolute pleasure of sharing the stage with you and singing some of the best love songs ever to come out of this country. Its true. Simple songs about love. I hope that you are able to revel in some of the love flooding back to you now.
The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra sang ‘It’s love’ yesterday morning at Deluxe – not solemly or tearfully, but utterly joyfully – beaming with pleasure and acknowledging you and your awesomeness to each other.
We wish you recovery, and we love you.
xx Megan (and members of the WIUO)
Hi Chris (& Barbara, John and Letia),
Never a dull moment, eh? Have you found a rhyme for frittata yet? Are you allowed to set up the home theatre in the recovery centre?
Our thoughts are with you all and best wishes for a smooth recovery.
Andrew and Karen
All the best for a speedy recovery.
Kia kaha Chris, you’re the reason I know what country I live in. ‘You’ve still got a mind, don’t look at the files.’
To Chris’ family, love and regards from this total stranger…
> Mark Servian
Best wishes, van harte beterschap,
Jop Euwijk
the netherlands
all the best for a speedy recovery chris.
rosy, alie, henry and sylvia. xx
Hey Chris, these things are sent to challenge us and give more ideas for great writing. Looking forward to seeing what appears as a result. All best wishes and strength to your family and your good self. XrX
Hi,my name’s Paddy Neville.I’m Stefan’s uncle.He was the first person to tell me about Chris.
I’d just like share my thoughts for him & his family.To this day I maintain Toy Love are the best NZ band I’ve ever seen, & I retain a real affection for him as a fan.Speeedy recovery please, & love to you all
Peace & Love
Paddy
ello Guv
NYC calling-the Mad Scene played Sat night with Times NewViking and Thomas Jefferson Slave Apartments at the Bell House in Brooklyn-everyone you know here sends their lurve-dedicated the set to you-and a sludge rocker called T.Rex ensued-had Harry Smith animation playing in the background-everyone got high and had a damn good time, drinkin ‘El Presidente,Allagash White wheat beer and Bourbon-have done some heavy meditatin for you-generally sending good vibes etc.Have been down the stroke road with our ol man-so empathise pretty heavily dude!
So get well soon
hope the whole famille du Ward Knox is doing ok.
Yours
Nigel AlleuitiusTransom aka as Hambone etc
Long Haired Toothless English Rocker(ex-Pink Floyd Roadie)
also Lisa,Taran and cats Blix&Rara
Ps I hear you’ve got Keef’s Doc working on you so you should be in good hands
Best windy wet Wellington wishes to you Sir from me and everyone here at Radio Active.
The world needs more vegetarian White Album fans so I hope you’re back up on your jandals asap.
Cheers big ears.
Shannon
Hope you get well soon and we see some more creative genius from you before too long.
Mate you showed a bunch of us that you don’t have to be a sheep to be a kiwi, and I for one have stood many times in buzzing anticipation watching you (in yer jandals!) plug in your guitar, knowing I was gonna be blown away over the next hour. And I always was. Here’s to the future and the irrepressible manifestations of your mind to come.
Chris, my old buddie, talk about attention seeking! Seriously though, get well,too much stuff to do yet, love to you and a huge cuddle x
Hi Chris
Hope you get better soon. A friend & talented guitarist here at Radio NZ had a stroke recently & is determined to play again – he reckons the best exercise is a simple spring clothes peg for the thumb strength and a staple gun for developing the grip. Cunning. He’s doing really well. You’ll get there too I’m sure – kiha kaha.
Arohanui to you, Babrbara & the family
Liz
Hi Chris
Like everyone who has posted here, I was stunned to hear of your stroke, but I’m rapt you are now doing so well. I thought of the Turning Brown And Torn In Two video: “Hope. There is always hope. Always.”
I don’t expect you to remember a phone interview I had with you many years ago on the release of Songs Of You And Me. You had always meant something very special to me, ever since the old Toy Love days, so it was exciting and slightly unnerving to finally get to talk to you. That you were so warm and charming made the experience one I will always treasure. I remember how vehemently you rejected that lo-fi tag you’d been lumbered with. “It’s lo-tech!” you said. “There’s nothing ‘low’ about the fidelity!”
To Barbara, John and Leisha, take strength from the love all of us are sending you. To the brains behind the blog, thank you for giving us all somewhere to express our thoughts. And to you, Chris, I look forward to hearing from you again soon, in all your “lo-tech” splendour.
Wishing you all the best Chris and family. Be strong and know that many people are wishing you well for your recovery.
Hi Chris
hope you make a full recovery, my dad has had a couple of strokes, my grandma had 9 and recovery can be a slow process… take it easy, bet you are itching to blurt something out! hopefully your speech will resume sooner rather than later. Good you have your family and friends rallying round.
Keeping online newspaper clippings/blog references for your scrapbook at:
http://theaxemen.wordpress.com/2009/06/15/chris-knox-suffers-stroke-news-thread-from-nz-herald/
Thinking of you
Cheers Steve
Our love and thoughts go out to ward-knox family.
From Sam and Ash.
Kia ora Chris
I have had the please of the ‘odd’ conversation with you in Grey Lynn,on a bus and at various social events. All I can say is this. “your love and Barbara’s for each other is inspirational. I still remember the day that I saw you both walking hand in hand away from the Richmond Rd Vege shop beaming and smiling. That sums it up for, your love and Barbara’s love will come shining through, stronger than ever along with the love of your children. Kia Kaha Chris and Barbara and much aroha to both of you
Wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery, Chris. There are plenty of folks around here thinking about you and your family. Hope to see you back down in Welly before too long.
Arthur
Chris and Barbara — My thoughts are with you and your family and I’m wishing hard for a speedy and full recovery. The world is a better place with you in it, dear Chris. I hope you will let us all know if there’s any way to help you through this time. So much love — Windy.
.
Chris,
Your work and personality have been a huge inspiration to me for ages. I wish you and your family the best as you get through this little thing here. Much respect to you. And many thanks to those doing this blog.
Cheers.
nate
Really shocking news. Wishing you the quickest recovery Chris. Made me think I have to make sure to go to your gigs more often, because I think you’re awesome!
Barbara, Leisha and John – All the best you guys.
Love
Sonya
Chris, Barbara, Leisha and John
Thinking of you all. Best wishes for a very speedy recovery Chris
Pete and team at Western Springs Coll Art Dept
Strength to you, Chris and family.
Hi Chris and Family,
We’re praying for your full recovery. Much respect.
Nothing’s gonna stop you singing.
Love from Dave, Liesje, Grace & Eli.
XXXX
Know that you are surrounded by love, kind thoughts and heartfelt wishes. Get well soon Chris.
Chris, get well soon man, there’s a huge number of people you don’t knwo out here all thinking of you and sending strength. We need you back and creating soon!!
Best wishes to Chris, Barbara, Leisha and John – we are all hoping for a speedy recovery. We are looking forward to hearing more of your fine music.
Hi Chris and Barbara, Liesha and John – Love and care from us all at Auckland Actors. We know that you’ll get through this and look forward to seeing you at concerts and performances again very soon.
Hi ya Chris
guess you’ll be looking through a glass rather darkly now, but chin up ol chap and spin some of those ascerbic thoughts into future rhymes, here’s hoping that light down the tunnel is not a train …whatever faith you keep, keep it flowing strong and all the best to Barbara and the family …hope they’re looking at ya with those great big puppy eyes ….
Chris-You R Kiwi Royal-
Best-all the best 2 you and yours-thanks for so many wonderful times-
Poodles
Kia kaha Chris and family.
damn it. i was listening to The Nothing’s “A Warm Gun” for the first time last night while driving home from a sort-of reunion with my high school band (whose drummer AND guitar player are now stroke-recoverees!) and thinking I should write to Chris as we haven’t spoken for years – i think last was when i sat in with the Tall Dwarfs at Big Day Out in ‘99? What a bad way to find out about trying to reconnect.
Good Vibes, Mr Knox. if frittata is a start, you’ll be ok.
and anyway, i was gonna say, The Nothing are great. thanks.
-Jonathan/CVB violinist
Dear Chris and Family,
My thoughts are with you!!! I hope you do better and better every day!!!!
You are a great guy and all my best to you and your family.
Love,
Jonathan Donaldson
(Summ-a-Briz, The Record Room)
Chris – All the best for a speedy recovery mate, your charming and childlike brilliance has been a huge influence in my life.
Also, you’re the only person I’ve ever seen crowd-surf their way through a guitar solo without dropping a note (or a jandal).
My thoughts are with you and your family. Keep the awesome dial cranked to 11.
Toalofa to all the Knoxwardie types,
All my love is with you and the man himself. Very cool to hear you are stirring Chris, a mate of mine has repeatedly commented in situations such as this that you can’t kill a weed!
Had a physio session with Tao at Westmere Physiotherapy this morning and informed him of your situation. Tao told he had the experience of working with a guy years ago, who had been hit by a major stroke, he worked with him every day and literally saw him go from having only the movement of his eyes, to full recovery!!! Get hold of the big dutch fella, he’s just back from a 3 week holiday in Holland, so the fingers are strong and the clogs are odour free!
Kia kaha to all
Bruce
Dear Barbara, Leisha and John
Chris is a legend and I am sure that one day he will be able to bless us with his awesome musical talents again – you cant keep an old Punk-er down!
I am Tibetan Buddhist and have been saying Medicine Buddha mantras for Chris’s health since I heard the news. Teyata om bekanze bekanze maha bekanze radza samongate soha!
cheers, aroha
Harley
a fellow muso and fan
For Chris
love, Ant, Becs & Toby
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xes0F36eTJA
ps – Hope you liked the soup. x
Chris Barbara & Kids…We all feel sure that the grinning little dynamo of creative genius that is our Chris will be back on his feet in due course.Our heart felt thoughts of support, healing and love go out to all of you!
dear chris… i have been stalking you for years now… watching you from afar in the audience at your shows… sometimes throwing my cartoons that i had scratched together onstage at you… once at a show in dunedin in the early 90’s, you even put your fingers in my mouth during a song when i was standing up the front… no shit, a genuine high point in my life… i didn’t wash my mouth for ages… finally when i moved to auckland i got to meet you properly for the first time at the kings arms one sunday afternoon when i plucked up the courage to give you all my albums that i have made in my bedroom, inspired by you… all that bullshit about ‘you shouldn’t meet your heroes’ does not apply to you… you are my hero and everything that an artist should be and a truly amazing person in real and artistic life… gush gush gush okay i’ll stop now… get well soon and all our love to you and your family from me, rosko and nicki and wilco and bebe
Chris, you have been in my thoughts ever since I heard the news on Sunday. Memories of those Enemy gigs in Dunedin came back and I still think they were the best ever and I’ve seen a few by now! Get well really soon. Lots of love to you and all the family.
Best wishes, good vibes to you and your family chris!
Hey Chris, my best to you.
I just had a stroke Jan. 18th, 2009. Fortunately, all I loss was sight in my lower left quadrant. This affected my balance and oddly enough, my timing when playing guitar. I was told to give it six months and it’s now been five. I’ve been taking my meds (for cholesteral, and blood pressure along with the asprin)and I’m feeling about 98% back to normaland healthier than ever. Also, I stopped smoking immediately and am walking for 3 to 5 miles a day. Stay positive and active, and in about six months you’re probably going to be in the best health you’ve been in for the past 15 years.
Good luck & health to you.
hey chris! you probably don’t remember me, vicky formerly of autotonic… but you stayed at our apt in hoboken ages ago when you were on tour. i’m in rhode island now, and you are more than welcome to crash here soon as you’re up & around and on tour again. all the best to you for a super speedy recovery. xoxoxo.
feelin’ for ya!
Hi Chris…you’re a great guy, you’re getting better and you’ll be dancing on the table again soon.
Love John and Lauren
Greetings from Wet, Wild, Windy, Wellington Mr Knox Sir, and best wishes from us all here at Radio Active.
No doubt you’ll be back on your jandals in no time doing what you do best.
The world needs more vegetarian White Album fans.
Cheers Big Ears,
Shannon
Heaps of love and best wishes from Mamaku.You have always been an inspiration.
Cheers
Glenn
Hi Chris,
thinking of you and you family,
Chris you have a true punk rock spirit & I doubt this will keep you down for long. All the best for your recovery. I have always appreciated the help you gave to my band when we were getting started & have a long admiration of your adept treatment of the 4 track recorder!
All the best,
Matthew Heine
firstly, been meaning to say since I was (musically) converted at the age of 14 – thanks a lot Chris Knox, it’s all your fault!!
mountains of aroha to you all
love, natasha, dale, tane and ” ”
xxx
Just wanted to say to you and yours:
Continue to keep your pecker up!
Hi Chris,sorry to hear about this,hope it’s not related to our head to head back in 65 at Rosedale,anyway you’ll recover in time and maybe even play another gig at the Civic,all the best.
Hey Barbara
Our thoughts here at Browning Street are with you, Chris and your family. The Browning Street kids–Eruera, McWhannel and Bower–have been talking about it. And it’s all over the Grey Lynn community.
There is probably not a house in Grey Lynn that doesn’t feel for your household right now and that’s not rooting for you. And there’s probably not a single person walking Grey Lynn streets who doesn’t think of you and Chris walking them, in the past and again in the future.
And there are communities all over the world, loving you right now, as if they were only a couple of blocks away. That’s a world hug for you guys. Whenever you want.
All our love to you, Chris, John and Leisha.
From the Browning Street Families
Hey neighbour.
Jean and I heard your news in Washington D.C. Our best wishes to you and Barbara and Leisha and John.
We’re looking forward to the next album with interest.
Arthur, Jean, Jim and Rosie.
Chris, I spent many a cold Dunedin day in 1977 sitting in the lounge at 94 Filleul St listening to various gems from the biggest record collection I had ever seen. I remember the day you paid off your guitar- how could I forget- that was the day our lounge became the birthplace and practice space of The Enemy. You were dynamic & fun & fascinating & infuriating to live with and I loved it. I’m sure nothing’s changed. Always knew you would be famous! With your personality I’m sure your recovery will be speedy.
Love & strength to you and your family
Josie
Having spent the past few weeks learning, arranging and recording a backing track for “Not Given Lightly” to perform at a wedding anniversary party last Saturday night (with discreetly rewritten last verse), I was shocked to learn the next day of Chris’s stroke (in a memorable “Where were you when you heard about…?” moment, I was at the Simon & Garfunkel concert!).
All I can say is pretty much what everyone else is saying. Hang in there, NZ is thinking of you and it all gets better from here.
Oh, and everyone loved the song on Saturday night. So they should, it’s a classic.
Hello Chris!
Nick from over at the Record Room, where I just caught wind of this place where I could give you and your family all my love. We’ll be waiting for you over there man!
Chris! You don’t know me, but I feel like I know you – your music has been a constant soundtrack to my life, from high school in the 80s, listening to the Tall Dwarfs and dreaming of escaping the small town where I grew up, to my university days where I finally got to see you live heaps of wonderful times, then my 30-somethings, when friend after friend had ‘not given lightly’ as their wedding song…I still have a cartoon that you wrote about a big day on the dole being going out to buy a button (still makes me laugh!) and a column about a jandal accident on an escalator…yes, I am a geeky-fan big time…not to mention lots of records…I am thinking about you and your whanau lots and wishing you good, healing energy.
x Helen Lehndorf
Hi Chris,
wishing you a wickedly speedy recovery. Being the dynamo that you are, you’ll be bouncing around your amp again in no time. Strength and aroha to yourself, Barbara and family.
Nicola
your music has inspired me and gotten me through many trials and tribulations over the last 20 years. thank you for bringing so much joy and beauty mixed with just the right amount of irony and sarcasm.
and please keep it up. can’t wait for your next live performance in new york, nashville, paris or zagreb…i am sure i will be around to catch you.
how i love that angelic voice of yours!
lots of love and light to you and your family. hoping for a full recovery xxx
Met Chris in the early 80s after a Toy Love gig in Napier. We bumped into each other the next day; Chris walking to town for breakfast; me returning from a run; he taken aback when I swung alongside, both talking about the show, the Troggs and music. He played the opening gig at a youth venue I was involved with in the 90s. We met in the bar. I was to review the show for the local rag. Chris gave me a hearty Kiwi thump just before he went on stage, saying ‘Make sure that it’s a good one.’ Never any fear it wasn’t. Recognised as a Kiwi at SXSW wearing my Mr Fuzzy T, it’s always Chris overseas musicians ask after. Kiwi music’s main man; our best and most respected. Thanks to whoever set up this site. All the best Chris mate. Knowing you I’m certain the best is yet to come. Love and Peace to you and yours. Gazz
Hey Chris,
I’m sure you’ll probably never get this far down in what is a huge and impressive list of get well props. But if you do, one day, you can add me to the list of people who are thinking about you and wishing you a speedy return to form as the beloved grumpy uncle of NZ rock ‘n’ roll.
All the best
Damian.
Hey Chris,
From comix to commentary; punking to plunking, you and your work are knotted into our lives, be we your mates and/or your fans. Whatever the way, we’re with you.
Dear Chris, Barbara et al.
Lots of love and best wishes from Lyttelton. Couldn’t believe it when I heard, that’s a low blow for sure. On the upside my mother recovered well from a similar position in her late 50s – up and about in a few weeks. It may not be easy but i am sure you will get back there. Lots of creative types down this way send their love also.
Bruce Russell and family
Hey Chris, I really enjoyed meeting you back in ‘95 when you stayed at our place in Houston. Best wishes for a speedy recovery! Keep rockin’ that omnichord…
Hey Chris!
I was so blown away when I saw you and Barbara at the Roys reunion a year or so ago at the Rising Sun. I know that youll of course say that you were there to see Mitchell & Ghostclub, but we both know it was the Roys and those wussie songs of ours that you were really there for aye!!(grin) and by the way matey, you never did pay me for laying your carpet..I want a copy of the new Nothing cd when I see you next!! Get better real soon bro, thinking bout you guys heaps.
Little Ross xx
Da de da de dah di the brain that wouldn’t die, C’mon Chris you can make it through this mate.
Don’t be pulling down the shades just yet brother.
You were the grandfather of garage at 25 it will be a bloody shame if you don’t get to experience that for real but no enough of that, c’mon pull through please.
Kia Kaha to the Knox/Ward whanau and keep telling him that he has to imagine his brain is a mass of pipelines and they all have to be flowing, all full of free flowing fluid, keepasking him to imagine that please.
Pete K
Chris! This aint a rock’ roll thing to do, you pus**y c***.
This is no way to go!
Better get up on your feet and try again in like 50 years or so.
Greets from double Dutch Ilja.
Wow Chris, can’t even use bad words to you on this site.
What else can i do to equally communicate with you?
Injustice!
Duty calls, on your feet mate!
Groetjes uit Fryslan.
Take care, Ilja
Woops forgot to put a link in for a couple of people who have already posted.
cheers Pete
Odd. I’m now the age you were when I first knew you over cricket matches and symposiums (Barbara) in the backblocks of Grey Lynn. Hope I can be half as inspirational to the young pups I meet now as you lot were for me. Thanks. Our thoughts are with you in Riverhead.
Jo, Simon, Milly and Zachary
I’ll add my voice to the throng wishing you a speedy recovery.
Sad to hear the news over here in chilly Melbourne. Hearing you at Victoria Park after the Auckland Marathon a couple of years ago made dragging my sorry carcass around town for 3 hours all worthwhile.
Hope you make a speedy recovery so you can put in an appearance at this year’s event.
Kia Kaha.
Larry de Zoete, Roslyn Grundy, Samuel & Lewis (the go-go boys)
Best wishes from sunny California (strangely overcast at the moment). Your music is pure joy to me. Bodies may fail us, but you made music that will always make me smile and that has to mean something. Get better.
Chris, you are an entertainer I hold in the higest respect, from the time you insulted me in song because I couldn’t remember the name of track 9 on ‘Songs of you and me’ (I actually meant track 4 anyway), to the time you called my brother and I fudge-packers at a Bats’ gig in the Dog’s Bollix, to the time I saw you running down Queen St in your trademark jandals about 6 months ago … obviously late for something and in too much of a rush to enquire why I might look familiar.
Ironically as I write this, Toy Love’s “Swimming Pool” has come up on my Last FM playlist … how fitting!
You once told me in an interview at Radio NZ that the “3 Eps” had sold 12 copies at home in NZ. I am happy to say that I have one of them, as well as pretty much everything else you have released, despite the fact that I was still too young to really care in the 80s.
You are an inspiration to so many. I really hope you return to form to put on many more entertaining performances.
I’ll make sure I am there.
Love and respect from Tokyo.
Hi – to Chris and his family,
Get well soon doesn’t say it all I know…but get well soon
Everyone who knows or has met Chris love his energy & intellect & talent – all the best to you and your family!
christine rivers
Our thoughts are with you both, Barbara and Chris. Hope a recovery is quick and we see that broad Knox smile and creativity again soon.
best wishes to you and your kin
here is a link to some amazing research from a neurologist who experienced a stroke, recovered, and the experience has now greatly influenced her work.
worth seeing.
http://www.ted.com/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_s_powerful_stroke_of_insight.html
optimism abound
xx
good luck
Hey Chris,
An awesomer fella there could not be. Everyone else has pretty much summed it up (and probably a lot more eloquently!) but you’re an inspiration and I wish you and your family all the best in a speedy recovery.
There’s a whole heap of us here in London thinking of ya!
Bruce Wurr
Dear Chris. Heard the news. A twist of the knife for you and your family. Played Croaker. Side 2 did the business. Thought of the Dwarfs and you wiping sweat from Alec’s brow at the Gluepot. Read the comments here. Your reach is mighty, ironically enough. Prevail.
Chris, just kick off your jandal and play it with your toes.
Big ones
Bruce
Barbara, Leisha & John
Our thoughts and love are with you, all the best for a speedy recovery Chris – will drop by and see you in a few weeks Barbara when we get back to NZ – your old playcentre mates Jackie, Nicola and Ben, and Tim (a punk fan from way back)& Gabi too xxx
We here at Buddyhead are confident you’ll be making gay jokes in no time, Chris. Until then, we’ll buy “A Warm Gun” instead of sending posies. See you on tour, friend.
Chip Norman
Buddyhead.com
Much love to Chris and family…Chris,your music and pictures will continue to be an inspiration (and your razor wit definitely something to aspire to!)…fond memories of driving round Dunedin in my Holden ‘wagon hunting for cardboard to draw large cartoons on to decorate the launch party for “Jesus on a Stick”…er.. No2…we didnt find any but it was a good idea.
yeah- and the time I yelled out “if you drew a picture you could be the rolf harris of Nz” during a quiet moment at Sammys. To which you replied “aah, Mr Renouf, i bet you got in for free”….I did.
thinking of you & your whanau
see you in the funny pages
Tony XX
Chris and Barbara,
Sending lots of love from Chicago! We are thinking of you and wishing for a speedy recovery.
I have many memories of Chris playing at Lounge Ax, but my favorite is the sight of Chris in flip flops in the middle of a Chicago winter!!
xoxox,
Julia and Patrick
Best wishes from two loooong time fans in the state of Maine. If all this love doesn’t get you back on your feet, we don’t know what will!
(Thanks for the blog, where we can all follow updates.)
Dear Chris and family,
Love and thoughts with you. All the best for a speedy recovery.
Alison
I have been a big admirer since Rebel/Squeeze.
We don’t see much of you in Perth, but you did come once in 95(?).
You were taking money on the door and no-one recognised you.
I did – I gave you a photo I took of you in Sydney 1980 (Barbara – where can I email you a copy?), by way of thanks, you jumped off the stage half way through the gig and humped my leg doggy style.
Chris I wish you a full and speedy recovery.
Michael
Being with you on stage was one of my best days in my life.
Please we all look forward to seeing you again offring great songs, melodies and also this irony that has been helping us all along these last 30 something years of career.
hi knoxeses.
chris, i hope that you get well and strong again! i have been a fan for just 6 mos (songs of me and you hasn’t left my player in some time) and the tall dwarfs 3eps i got are a real treat. i hope that you are soon able to play music and write more terriffic tunes! thanks for everything!!
all the best,
frank
This is bad and sucks.
Hoping you recover fully, Chris. Thanks for all the wonderfulness through the years, musical and visual.
Regards from Boston,
KD
Knoxes, Wards, and Ward-Knoxes,
I was in process of sending a Get Well card when the news of this blog thing comes in (Graeme – good on him eh?) – and I’m struck by the immediacy of the opportunity to add my best wishes to those of so many others who have done so already.
I’m still sending the card of course because you can’t have a spell in hospital without them, along with the grapes, the oranges for the nephews to eat, and that odd smock that passes for pyjamas, which is simply wrong, on so many levels, and why oh why don’t they work like other clothes and open at the front? Who wants to see your bare arse? That’d be …like … no one? Oh, no! I don’t mean that Chris, I’m sure it’s a fine tush. But it’s your tush and I wouldn’t want to interfere with it.
All that aside, from a bright and summery Isle of Wight, I’m feeling the need, to send my love, to you, to yours, all the best and a speedy recovery.
Peter
Your fans in Chapel Hill, NC are wishing you a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing you pass through again. Hopefully soon.
Colin Dodd, Carrboro, NC USA
Blasting ‘Not Given Lightly’ as loud as the stereo will go. Hoping my long distance good vibes will make it to you…. get well soon.
Was so sad to hear the news on the radio. Thank you for making us proud.
Remember you’re different from them, your’re the creme de la creme.
Get well and big love.
This was shocking and upsetting news. Let me add my name to the long list wishing you a full and speedy recovery. Was just scanning the NZFF programme today, Chris, hoping to catch a few movies at the Civic when I’m back in town next month. But it won’t be the full experience without your unquenchable enthusiasm. — Philip Matthews
Hey chris,
just sending you some serious record store love from over here in SF. We’re all thinking good thoughts and wishing you a quick recovery.
Get better and come visit!! We miss you.
Lots of love, Andee, Allan, and the rest of the aQ crue
Kia Kaha Mr Knox!
Always enjoy bumping into you and having a chat on my sojourns back home to Noizyland.
There’s nothing in this world but Light…
Get well in time for the H&K reunion!
Owen the Jacket
Just thought I’d add my name to the long list of well wishers, and say that I can’t imagine a Noo Zillund without Chris’s voice or pen making some typically pithy and erudite personal and/or musical commentary on the social and political goings-on therein, so get yr clever old hands and mouth working again real soon, alright? Bolshy great hippy sentiments to thee and thine. Chris.
So upset to hear the news. I’ve only met you a few times, but you were always welcoming, friendly and easy to have a chat with. Highlight was driving you round CHCH, hell about 10 years ago I think. You came down and played in The Square for an Aids Awareness gig called Charge, put on by MASSIVE. Did an interview for National Radio (I think) about Jandals!! Signed my Toy Love album and got Alec to sign it for me also. Then even took the time a few days later to send me a copy of the insert from the album, that I had foolishly lost!!! Great day……great memories! Kia Kaha Chris
Get back soon Chris. My other hero Edwyn Collins
(ex-Orange Juice) had a big stroke a few years ago and is back on the road now – check him out on MySpace. I met a friend of Hayleys a few years ago who had multiple strokes and was having his funeral prepared when he rallied, and he’s driving his kids around now and looking 100%. It’s just a question of time, time and antioxidants.
Chris, Barbara, John and Leisha,
I have been following events on Stuff since I became aware of the your stroke, but will be on the blog every day to check.
Thoughts and wishes for a speedy recovery to you all from me and mine.
Get better soon!
Tim
You and yours are in my thoughts. Here’s hoping for a speedy return to your always rare form.
My thoughts are with you Chris, and your family. Get well soon. And if you read this John – keep your chin up. Stay strong.
Karen
Chris – recover fast, get back in the jandals and write a song about it
Barbara, Leisha and John – our thoughts are with you all
loves
craig & bella
244. adds up to a 10 which is a 1. 1 with a zero for the universe.
Your part has and will continue to be both valid and valued. Over it or under it. Dr K (Sean)
I saw you play Cuba Street Carnival in the rain a few years back and was struck by your fearlessness and joy. I wish you and yours heaps of strength on the road ahead. I reckon fearlessness and joy will be making their appearances when you least expect them – in some ways, sounds they already have.
Warmth from the California desert.
Barbara, who is looking after you? You having massages, acupuncture, herbs and some time for your lovely self? Its you that he loves, look after you, or can I help? Love Brenda.
Chris, am thinking of you and your family and friends this week from up here in New York. The Village Voice today published an article about a new book called “Heavy Rotation: Twenty Writers on the Albums That Changed Their Lives,” and by a strange bit of timing, it includes my very short writeup of your very beautiful “Not Given Lightly.” It’s all the way at the end of this. http://www.villagevoice.com/content/printVersion/1208483 Best wishes to you and yours, and here’s to a very safe, happy, healthy, quick recovery.
Hi Barbara, Chris, Leisha, & John
Thinking of you guys. The news came as a shock when Claire told me on Monday – totally unexpected for everyone I’m sure. Wishing you a speedy recovery Chris. Arohanui to you all from the Hornbys xxx
Hi Chris,
hope you get well enough to make that long overdue appearance on Dancing with the Stars. Look forward to seeing you around Grey Lynn again soon.
Hi Chris and family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of Chris’ illness. This is such a great way to keep the masses up-to-date with Chris’ recovery – the outpouring of messages is truly heart-warming. Best wishes for a speedy recovery Chris!!
Chris & Barbara and family,
Get well soon. Anything I can do to help?
Arohanui,
Stephen Buckland
I just heard the news today and I was stunned. Chris and the family, wishing you all the best and here’s to a speedy recovery.
Thikning of you Chris and looking forward to seeing that impish smile and slashing guitar strum in a pub near here soon
Cheers
Sam
I agree with Chris matthews above. Nz would be a much duller place without you Chris> Hoping to hear of more improvement and full recovery
Ralph Connor
Just another wee fan pulsing positive joy to the universe. Here’s hoping this blog supports your family so they can hold you nicely.
For those of us who spent our formative years in Vulcan Lane, growing up is something we never thought we’d have to face; it is just our children who get older not us.
Leisha I only ever knew you in your mother’s tummy. Barbara, I haven’t seen you since I was about nineteen. And I haven’t seen Chris for about ten years.
But I haven’t forgotten any of you.
I wish you all the strength and courage to work through stroke and the road to recovery.
There is a community here who genuinely care and will do everything to support and assist where we can.
Arohanui, Kia kaha
kia ora, my thoughts and hope for a speedy recovery to you chris and for comfort and peace to yr family. yr a n.z. icon and one of the prominent, positive role models from my earlier years. love john xx
Hi
Your music, art and brilliant insights have been an inspiration to me since my teenage years. Get well soon.
Cheers and best wishes.
Hi Chris, Barbara and whanau!!!!
Thinking of you!! Lots of love from the Ellis clan in Suffolk (UK)
Hetty and Lloyd
Shocked and saddened to hear of your stroke. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Just another fan who misses the days in Dunedin and beyond watching you play. Love, peace and strength to you and your family
Hey there Chris, Barbara, Leisha and John.
We look forward to catching up with you all at Tutanekai Street next time. Thanks to whoever thought of this Blog.
Kia kaha.
Hang in there Chris, you get well soon .. Because we need more words and music from you.
Kia Kaha
From everyone at Frenzforum.com
Very best wishes from just another long-term (and now long distance)fan in Surrey, UK. Your influence extends to the next generation – my five year old son loves the Nothing’s Gonna Happen video (though he is now slightly wary of sleeping bags….) Get well soon.
Chris, I just love you and your talent. I was in tears when I heard about your stroke. Best wishes and prayers for you and your family. You are (to me) the very heart of NZ’s music scene and I hope you make a full recovery SOON! Last time I saw you perform was at The Temple; I look forward to the next time!
Dear Chris and whanau … thinking of you at this time I am in shock! Best wishes from the other side of the world….. a speedy recovery to you Chris!
Lisa Van Der Aarde xx
Dear Chris & family,
Best wishes in your speedy recovery. I bust out a Tall Dwarfs or solo track on my radio show here in Los Angeles every once in a while, and I’m always reminded of the proud moment I had in the mid-90s when you borrowed my guitar amp for a concert where my goofy little band opened for you. I don’t think you were terribly impressed with my amp, but you soldiered on nonetheless to much adoration from the folks at the show.
Here’s to many more years and concerts of soldiering on!!!
Be well.
Hey Chris, this is Joseph Davolt from the Record Room message board, sending best wishes, thoughts, and prayers to you and your family. Was very saddened to hear of your stroke. Get well soon, Mr. Nothing!
Got my Ipod on shuffle at work but it keeps defaulting to the songs on the 2 Nothing albums. The tiny DJ in there knows what’s happened and salutes you. We all do.
Love to you all
Peter Lange
G’dday Chris,
your music has formed an ongoing part of the soundtrack to my life since Toy Love days………so many thanks for that. Wishing you and your whanau all the best and looking forward to many more years of your refreshing, insightful and irreverent orginality
Kia Kaha
Brendon Ford
Dear Chris,
I was shocked to hear of your stroke – you’ve been such an amazing inspiration to me as a musician, artist and really good person…..but take heart. When I was 19 I had a head on collision on the harbour bridge while driving to night duty as a nurse. I was in intensive care for a month and hospital for 3 months…when i left the doctors told my family I would never walk again.
So, after 18 months of daily rehab – I proved them wrong – and I know you will too.
You’re a resilient and strong willed guy and you still have so many more songs to write and perform. You have all the love around you – you are bound to bounce back. Take it slow…its a frustrating and sometimes painful process – but you’ll do it.
Kia Kaha! Arohanui
clare oleary & love from cathy and michael and sam too….
Hello – when last heard of, Max media was expressing concern at being “out of touch’. I think he has slung his hammock between two branches of the cerebral cortex and is having a lazy holiday in his own tropical-coloured bubble. He’s sipping a cocktail laced with dopamine and neurone cells, and is listening to the gurglings of the blood vessel plumbing. He’s decoding memory traces on the subject of “lurking’ which are etched like heiroglyphics onto the walls of his plasma bubble. We know he will be back, slightly more quirked, and all the better for it! Arohanui – Joy
I was shocked and upset like everyone to hear of your stroke Chris. My thoughts are with you and I hope you have a speedy recovery. My father had a stroke a few years ago and he recovered completely. (And he’s quite a bit older than you!)
My love to you Barbara, John and Lisa
We know these old villas are cold in winter but it’s a pretty extreme way to get a warm room. All the best for recovery,
H Htreet neighbours (especially all those gwarky & squirming young musos you have shared with).
Off to get ‘Warm Guns’
Jane
Hey Chris,
Glad to hear your improving. Perhaps we should have a combined 57th birthday party in sept, like our 21st back in the day. Maybe not 114 sounds very old.
Smile for me.
Positive, positive, positive.
Luv ya
Kim
Chris,
You are so much a part of NZ music that it is hard to know what to say – the news is a shock to us all. Inspirational to decades of musicians, we all have our Chris Knox stories. I remember my band playing at the Classic about 10 years ago at a NZ music radio quota gig – we played first and it is safe to say the seated smartly dressed audience were not expecting it. 10 minutes of noisy improvised feedbacking guitars, whilst our friend Mark jumped around stage abusing a small stuffed teddy bear. When we finished, you came up to the stage and said “you twisted animals!”, with that demented Knox grin. You then asked if you could borrow my amp – how could I say no?! We are sending you our thoughts from Dunedin, and wishing a successful recovery.
Peter Porteous and family
PS Peter Stapleton also send his best wishes.
Dear Chris,
Sending you love and best wishes for a healthy recovery. We need to have you rockin’ in the Motor City (er, Pontiac) again like you did in 1995!
Greg
Hi Chris, Barbara, Leisha and John! On my radio show the other day I played and played and played CK music (there is alot of it, ain’t there!) and Man, did I get a lot of calls from folk who said what a genius the music is. Well we all know that already but the large bodied small town American families are now quite hip to it too. I think of you all everyday. Please know that my heart has always remained in NZ and at the moment it is living in your backyard in a wee tent.
I love you Chris. So much.
Get well soon, mate. kisses from that nutty blond girl you once described (accurately) as a walking cartoon.
Kia ora Chris, heaps of aroha from the students of Alternative Education Auckland City who worked with you last month on the graffiti art project … arohanui kia koe me to whanau, Ange Edwards
Hey Chris maybe this is a warning to you…that Toy Love must play again..somebodys trying to tell you something??
See you back on the stage soon mate.XX
hey Chris, Barbara and family
Thinking of you often and am so pleased to hear that Chris is still dishing out withering looks. Haha. I think that’s a great sign. I have great faith that you’ll get through this.
Bestest Kathryn B
Am still hoping for your total recovery Chris Knox.
But how do I stop copies of all these well wishing emails to you coming into my in box, what the heck did I click on to make this happen? AAAAAGGGGHHHHH! Helllp!
love from all fellow Invercargill adoptees with big noses
Hi Chris.
Jane Dodd’s dad, Jack, told a funny story about his recovery and since you mightn’t have too much else to do right now I thought I’d share it with ya. After a few days in hospital Jack still hadn’t got his speech back. But he had worked out that the guy in the bed next to him was well into his nineties and in much worse shape than he was. Jack recognised an old friend who came into the ward – someone he’d always thought of as especially honest. The friend sat down by the 90 year old and said gently: “Jack. You’re looking great. You’ll be out of here in no time.” After loyally holding the old timer’s hand for a good half an hour, the friend finally turned round and saw the real Jack. He immediately dropped the old guy’s hand and let rip with: “Jack! Thank Christ!” No-one knows what the old guy made of all this.
It’s been good scrolling down through these messages. Quite a group of people you have in your life. Come back to us all soon.
Love to you and Barbara
David
Hi Chris,
My name is Sharky, (I am 44) and I can honestly say that I think I know how you feel. On November 6th, 2007, I had a stroke. And yes it sucks, and yes it feels more like a punch than a stroke, but I came through and was lucky enough to make a full recovery…………so see, it can happen. I don’t think there is anything medically marvelous that helped me come through. Just a stubborn sod, I reckon. To begin with, I was paralised on my left side, but now I walk without a stick.
The toughest part now is that my “forgettera” works better than my “remembera” and that fustrates the shit outta me. But I’m alive……………..so to hell with it…………….I bought a note book to write shit down in, and I only have one thing to remember, now………where the book is……………..haha. And the fatigue takes a bit to get used to. The Doctors, because they’re way more intellegent than you or I, might try to tell you what you can or can’t do. You make up your own mind Chris. They told me I was paralised for life…….wrong !! Then I couldn’t walk without a stick…….Wrong again, Then, aparently, I couldn’t drive……………………Strike three……not that clever after all.
Laughter is the best medicine…….and good exercise for ya ribs, too.
Enough of my rabbiting on,
I wish you a successful and speedy recovery.
Best wishes,
Dave
Hi Chris, Barbara and whanau,
Bit of an over reaction to National winning an election I think Chris. All of you are in our thoughts. Look after each other! Time is the healer.
Kia kaha.
again … you…
a paradigm that touches,
interconnects, and helps
us to share our experience
all here together.
It’s my husband who’s the big fan of your music… but he would never in a million years ever think of submiting a comment. I particularly like your song about crusty glue ear (from tall dwarf days I think) Bfm very kindly played it the other day.I reckon you’ll be doing your music thing again before too long and on behalf of Bella and me I wish you a full recovery.
love light peace.
Hey C&B. I got coverage for my boy and flights so leaving here on the 3rd of July – with you on the 5th. Just 3 days with you all but I need to see you. and touch you. I’ve always been such an aural person but at times like this it’s just not enough. Although Jenny said that Chris was humming yesterday and that would be excellent audio. Save me a song. Big Hugs to you two and Leish and John. See you soon. Dx
Like what everyone else says, Mr Multi-Talented. Love your stuff and want to see/hear more of it. Not a pressure thing, but get bloody better!
From a total stranger, so don’t strain your brain to place me.
Ride on, Chris! Cheers from Hamburg -> T.
Hi Chris,
Hope you’re getting better very soon…
Hope you get a full recovery…
Love to the family…
The French International T Dwarf
PS i was singing ‘The Glide’ today at noon and you know it’s a pure gem
“And when you land on your feet safe on the ground please listen to the air that slips into your lungs and love the sound”
We love your sounds!
Hello Chris,
I’m really saddened to hear about your recent illness. Your music is very important to me and I hope you get well soon. The first time I heard “Half Man Half Mole” it was one of the most revelatory musical moments of my entire life, and I’ve been very much affected by your music in the years since. You’re an all-around inspiration as a songwriter, filmmaker and cartoonist and I hope your condition improves as quickly as possible. Please take care.
Sincerely,
Abraham Scott
Hi Chris Barbara and family – thinking warm thoughts of you from down at #13. Please let us know if we can do anything useful (apart from buying Warm Gun of course) – lawns mowed, that sort of crap.
Sending you lots of smiles and good wishes for a simple, speedy recovery. Your long-time fan, Mary
unexpected shitty news, but i’m going to go home and listen to some of your music and hope to send some of its healing energy back your way (or however it works). be back up and about soon!
- sp
Get well Chris! The world needs your flip flop wearing, time-life lady head set sporting, mad genius to keep us sane. I find it hard to imagine you being down for long.
-Julie
Thinking of you all and im sure you are in the best of hands. Lots of laughter is the key to a speedy recovery and it looks as though you are getting plenty of that
All the whanau send there love. Say Hi to Leisha from me and give her a hug.
Love Nicole smith and family.
Hi Chris, Once again thinking of you. I mentioned your blog to another friend, Trevor Daley, who is a bit of a technophobe,(a drummer you see), and he asked me to pass on his best wishes, from another Avenal Street boy. All our love, and good vibes, to you, family and your support team. Would love to see you back in the old hometown sometime in future.
Hi Chris,
First I was really sad to hear your news, but then I remembered that you can’t keep a good man down. You are most definitely a good man. Your whole life is a work of art – it oozes out of you and will not be stopped by this interuption. Keep fighting the good fight and know that many, many people love and respect you and your work.
Kia kaha and best wishes to you and yours.
LIISA
Dear Chris, Barbara& kids,
you are all in my thoughts. I just know it mon’t be long till I see you wandering down Cockburn Street again Chris and even though it always makes you cringe there are some huge cuddles coming your way sir! I’ve told you a thousand times but here it comes again… thank you for everything… for always taking the time to talk to me or drop me a line, from when I was a snot nosed little know-it-all punk to now that I’m a growen up snotnosed know-it-all punk.
One day we’re gonna knock out a tribute to Buddah Records… 1910 Fruitgum Company, Kasenetz-Katz… all your faves and mine. Take the kids from ‘yummy yummy yummy’ to Tall D’s ‘there’s love, there’s lust, there’s chewy chewy chewy”…
I love you man, you are my hero!
Brendonx
Hi Chris,
Bugger ! What a cruel turn of fate for you. I was so saddened to hear about your setback. No doubt you are being well looked after, and there are obviously such a lot of people out there in the ether and beyond that are rooting for you to make a good and quick recovery. Meantime keep that “big” smile of yours turned on. I’ve been looking at some of the photos taken on our Intrepid Trip to India and I know you were so keen to return there. I hope that day will come soon. Meantime keep your chin up old chap and I send you my very best.
Cheers
David Hearn
To Chris, Barbara & whanau
All our love, thoughts, best vibes and best wishes. Love Karen q Temple & whanau. xxxoooxxx.
To Chris,
Heard about your situation via The Fall website, just wanted to wish you a speedy recovery and to say thanks for Flying Nun Records and the Fall In A Hole album. Get Better Rapid as they say.
all the best from the UK
Jem Squires
Best Wishes to you and your family. After all the great music you have made for us, we are sending all the positive thoughts we can across to you.
Hi Ward-Knox family – thinking of you all and wishing you the best with your recovery chris – Rachel and Guy
We’re stunned and shocked at your news. We wish you all the best with a speedy recovery. Best wishes for all the family and support team. My dad (Max’s) had a stroke at age 50 – lost his voice. Had to learn to speak again but in 6 weeks was back at work. He’s now 82 and can talk the back leg off a horse. As a get well incentive we’ll send you some more Pinot to look forward to – we hope you’ll be able to quaff again soon ! Max & Kate
HI chris..sad to hear about you not being well hope you get better soon.dont know you personally but been to heaps of your gigs over the years and love your music.stay strong.muzza(dunedin).
chris and family, my warmest and dearest wishes to you. i fondly remember the terminus gigs in wellington with toylove. i still havent recovered but loved every minute!! i put my hand up to organise a get well chris concert. much love
Chris so glad to hear that you’re on the mend . . must be those positive vibes coming back at ya !
hi Chris, keep that improvemet going and you will soon be back to as normal as you ever could be, best from the north east valley liberation front, john holtz
Just found this so decided to send you another message. Chris, get better soon. Fly through physio and we hope to see you onstage again and better than ever. Plus here is an incentive to you, next time you are down in Chch come around home to have some of Mum’s doughnuts ha! Those were the days right? Avenal Street has never been the same without us all living there! So to you, Barbara, Leisha and John I say keep your spirits us during this stressful and worrying time. You will all get through this!!
to Mr. Chris Knox, you who has given much from your generous heart so that we
(who are not so privileged to call you their friend, who maybe you’ve never met or only glanced at out of the corner of your eye,
or who you might have said seven sage words to)
have permission to make passion real,
we say hmmm mmmm, ah huh, you’re a fine hero.
You sure do make fine music sounds, clever and sweet words and be staunchly family and funny/wise.
Who you are and how you are makes a difference to the world, to our world.
From you we get that it’s ok, nay, important to be and say and do who we are.
And to take care of everyone.
So many of us are talking of you and sending the warmest thoughts your way every day,
and giving thanks for being in our lives.
Thank you for being in my and my families’ lives, we treasure you
and wish you the absolute best for your continued getting wellerness.
I want also to wish you grace, and say
take whatever time you need to
to do this thing for yourself and your family.
Be assured that all that you have
given/done/thought up/played/created/ made so far
will keep us going sweetly for quite a while yet.
Don’t worry, we’ll hang around until you’re ready for more.
I am very fortunate to know your John who also has a lovely generous heart.
One day he turned around and casually
told me again all we need to know.
he simply said “it’s all about love.”
And to you John, I hope our big hugs and loving thoughts are getting through those thick hospital walls to you
if there’s anything we/I can do, just let us know. Anything.
And those of you who did the blog thing…thank you so, so much
xk
Hi Chris, please get well soon. You’re such an inspiration to us all that you’ve gotta get well. I spoke to you, once, at a Tall Dwarfs concert at the Kings Arms, years ago, and we just raved about the good music being played and the audience ambience.
Like you said “I’m lying in a hospital room
The air is dripping with impending doom
Now all these faces looking down at me
Readying me for surgery
They’re all saying it’ll all be sweet
I’ll be back on my feet in about a week
But I don’t hear a single word they say
My mind is several million miles away…”
Sown up, So fine, … ,
Hi Barb and Chris and whanau
Happy Birthday Barb – I’d forgotten, with so much happening, that you were a fellow Gemini. No wonder you’re such a wonder.
This blog is a great idea. Thanks for the updates Roy. It’s a nice way for us to keep in touch without pestering you with texts. I know you and Chris are surrounded by loving friends – that’s got to make this easier. It sure makes you think how awful it must be for people who haven’t got the literally hundreds and hundreds of staunch friends and wonderful family like you do to take care of them.
Lots of love and I’ll see you in July
Jen xxx
PS I went fishing in Ohope on my way home but can safely report to Chris that no fish were harmed by me spending 4 hours basking in the sun, unwinding great hoiks of knotted nylon and patiently taking hooks out of my clothes and thumbs.
Just wanted to say hi.
I hope you, your family and all those close are doing ok. We wish you the best on your road to recovery.
Rohan Isabel & Ester
Hi, Chris.
James Greig here. One of the Melbourne members of Into The Void and former Flying Nun office boy (in my young, young youth).
I’ve met you a couple of times, briefly, over the last 3 decades. The time I remember the most:
Flying Nun were in residence in Gloucester St. As usual, I went there after high school, to stuff records into sleeves and make coffee for Bruce. You were in the back stair-well, with a brown paper package in your hands. No one was home.
“Do you have a key?” you arksed?
“Nope”.
17 year-old boys feel bad enough about themselves as it is, without having to stand next to fuckin’ Chris Knox in a stair-well for 45 minutes, or 20 seconds in real time, until Roger came and saved me.
We went inside. You held up the brown package, like King Arthur held the sword.
“I went to Ballintynes (sp?). I’ve never had BLUE cords before.” you said, grinning. I nodded, excused myself and went to the other room, to count Big Black records.
That story sucks, I know, but it’s in my head. The thing is, you’ve been in my life, in one way or another, for about 27 years.
I’m a nurse now, here in Melbourne. Before I left NZ, I worked in a brain injury rehab unit in Christchurch. I won’t say I know what you’re going through, but I kind of know what you’re going through.
I’m thinking about you daily, Chris.
All the best, always,
Love James xxx
Hey Chris I was shocked to hear about your stroke, I am hope you have a speedy recovery and that physio gets you back on track to making music, cartoons and general media activities
“A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success”
Cheers Peter
Chris is like a boomerang – he gives and he receives in equal measure.
Chris is like a tuning fork that sets us to rights.
An everyman – we all see something of ourselves in Chris.
Get well and come back to us – there’s a boy!
Cecil Feeney
Hi Chris and family.
We’ve been fans from the very beginning and have lived in lots of countries (in between living in Wellington), and have always taken you with us, spreading the word of the magnificence of Chris Knox!! We’ve told many stories of the wild gigs we’ve enjoyed each time you’ve come to Wellie for a visit
We currently live in Singapore, and are very saddened to hear what’s happened to you. We think about you lots and have been playing your CD’s heaps in the hope that it will help somehow????? It’s great to have this website so we can stay tuned for how your wonderful recovery is coming along – THANKS to all concerned in this department.
The best we can do is wish you a full recovery and look forward to the next album…..
Speedy recovery and lots of love from Julie and Gareth
Hi Chris,
May White light and warm thoughts envelope you and whanau,
Love,
Donna Savage and co xx
Chris and Barbara…
get well chris … there is so much love out there for U cobber
a veritable avalanche of good will
Trevor R
Hi Chris I wish you the best of luck in your recovey. I have been a fan since seeing you play in scafieland in the 80’s. As I aged I ended up looking so alike to you that my boss started calling me Chris Knox even more so after seeing you on TV travelling through India. The resemblence has ended now as I have become fatter. Be patient and be strong
Kind regards Rob
Hoping that no news is good news, but would be good to hear how things are progressing with Chris. Any chance of an update on the blog?
Hi Chris,
Sending you our love and wishing you a steady recovery.
Chris – your achievements as a master musician, artist, family man & all round good guy are abundantly evident in the flood of heartfelt messages of love and strength conveyed in this blog. Clearly you have touched many with your generous spirit and energy for people. I first met you in person during an Orientation gig in Auckland in the early 1990s. Your warmth and support for a fellow artist combined with your intelligent banter, humility and humour made that walk in the park a valuable experience for me which I have not forgotten. Have spotted you at various gigs since and recently bumped into you in Cuba St Wellington. As others have said, you encapsulate the kind of kiwi bloke most of us would hope we are known for – creative, funny, sharp, compassionate, caring, outspoken, courageous, inspiring… etc etc.
To you and your family as you continue on this next stage of your journey, I am sending you huge aroha and respect (also from numerous others of my own friends and family)… may your recovery bring you to new levels of joy and understanding… you are our tallest dwarf, a true kiwi icon and great man. We will all be following this blog and daily sending you our love. All the best.
Fergus Aitken
Hey Richard (#324), the blog IS being updated- click on his name at the very top of this page to redirect you to the latest entry.
And just another “hello” and best wishes from Jonathan in San Francisco. Checking in everyday, just so you know, so- thanks Rob for taking the time to keep all of us informed.
Love you, Chris!
Hiya Rascal
Thinking of you and Barbara lots in recent times and can only hope that through all of this that Roy is still getting lots of gyp from you.
Hugs and squeezes
Kathryn B
Thinking of you Chris! all the best.
Sending you lots of positive energy Chris! Get better soon. You’re an oldy but a goody and a legend in Kiwi music history.
Hi Chris, wishing you a speedy recovery!!!!!
the guys from Jealous Itch.
Cheers Barbara and family.
Here’s an interesting link about music and stroke recovery
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8112247.stm
Arthur
Kia ora Chris and family,
Kia ora Chris and family
Thinking of you with much love and support. My Mum had a similar stroke to yours (later entitled a “Lucky Strike”!) and made a full recovery with much music and word therapy. There sure are a helluva lot of people out here who have every conviction that that very fine brain of yours will ensure likewise. Our one conversatin enabled me to express my gratitude for — amongst all the other gifts you’ve bequeathed us— my weekly Friday night date with something called “The Vault”– I believe we discussed film noir and women in impossibly architectural hats. All the best for YOUR recovery Mr Knox and tautoko for those around you. Me nga mihi aroha.
Hello Chris and family – it is good to keep up with news of you. Hope it is not too gloomy to learn that Willy de Ville (Mink de Ville) has pancreatic cancer. Chris has real hope of rehab and recovery.Has he tried doing a painting by numbers? It might be harder than you think! a nice painting of kittens for Aunty Dot in the rest home perhaps?- Arohanui Joy
Errata
Yoicks. Am taking the liberty of editing my previous comment— sent off in haste but now feel that it simply will not do do offer salutory tales of the redemptive powers of the word to a hierophant and make errors! All the best, Chris and co—day by day and each day better.
Thinking of you with much love and support. My Mum had a similar stroke to yours (later entitled a “Lucky Strike”!) and made a full recovery with much music and word therapy. There sure are a helluva lot of people out here who have every conviction that that very fine brain of yours will ensue likewise. Our one conversation enabled me to express my gratitude for — amongst all the other gifts you’ve bequeathed us— my weekly Friday night date with something called “The Vault”– I believe we discussed film noir and women in impossibly architectural hats. All the best for YOUR recovery Mr Knox and tautoko for those around you. You’re a national treasure! Me nga mihi aroha.
Greetings Chris and family, I am sending my loving thoughts and best wishes to Chris for a speedy recovery, and a big “thanks” to all the loving friends and family supporting him at this time. Chris, you have been an inspiration to me since I first heard Toy Love when I was 16 years old and I have followed your career with great interest, admiration and respect my whole adult life, you are truly an icon of NZ music and I hope it won’t be too long till you are making music again! Much love, Fiona McEwen
Ahoy there Chris! Peter Needham here, over in Australia. I heard the news a couple of days ago and got in touch with Arthur B, who gave me a few details and told me about this blog. You have an impressive number of well-wishers out there and I am one of them. This is to wish you the very best for a complete recovery, as speedily as possible. I’ll get in touch when I next get over to Auckland (which should be in two or three months time) and we can meet up again then, perhaps with Arthur too, as last time. This blog is a good idea – quite an invention. What will they think of next? The 21st century may have some redeeming features after all. I’ll have a look at the chrisknox.blogtown.co.nz site too, when it’s up and running. All the best to you and, in the old phrase, get well soon.
Peter
P.S. I happened to hear an Irish banjo band in a local hostelry the other day and I recalled our evening in that pub when we were visiting Ireland, when a banjo band was belting out numbers. Plunkety-plunkety-plunkety-plunkety (etc) From what I remember of the evening, you weren’t particularly impressed with banjo bands in general and that one in particular. You may well have been right!
eek alors!hope things are getting better every day!I saw toy love in the early eighties(i think!)@ the awapuni hotel in palmerston north,you slithered onto stage with a stocking over your head singing ‘hey big spender’there was a lady in your band & her parents were in the crowd watching, that much i remember! any howz, keep the faith. The Lone Groover.
Hello Chris – I just spent the day watching New Artland footage of you and marveling at your audacious talent and cheeky quips. You really are a bloody national treasure! It’s been my great pleasure to meet a true renaissance man like yourself and I’ve no doubt that indomitable spirit of yours will see you through thick and thin – as it always has.
Your in my thoughts Chris and in my heart – Kim
Hi there, just to wish too to Chris a speedy & complete recovery, he is such a great artist and lots of people in France do love him & his silly and brilliant recordings – See you soon – Gauthier from Lille, France
Hi Chris, Met you on 15th May at Akld intl airport where I waited for you to get off our flight from Christchurch to have my photo taken with you. You seemed quite chuffed that I had asked but I was the one who was chuffed and boasted about it to my friends and family. I had seen you perform 21 years earlier in a club in Quay St where you started to perform a song you had written that afternoon but couldn’t quite remember how it went. Was a great gig. Trust things are feeling a little the same at the moment. It will come back to you. All the best in your recovery. Kim
Dear Chris! It is so cheering to read how you are progressing day by day. I am zooming in again today to give you and yours our very best wishes and to do a – sorry I’ll play that again – number on what I wrote before. You may remember the evening the drums were playing at ********** Street and I had a battle with my camera trying to take a photograph of you. Well the same thing has happened again and this is more like what I was trying to say.
Chris is like a boomerang – he gives and he receives in equal measure.
His Gatsby smile sets us to rights.
Get well Chris and come back to us.
Note: On page 54 of my Penguin paperback edition of The Great Gatsby is Scott Fitzgerald’s description of Gatsby’s smile. “It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of reassurance in it, that you may come across three or four times in life. It faced – or seemed to face – the whole eternal world for an instant, and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favour. It understood you just so far as wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself, and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey.”
Cecil Feeney.
Checking in from a frozen city. I hope that “get well song” wasnt too disturbing. Marty said it would probably make you worse! That did cross my mind. As I said to Allison, I think it was as much therapy for myself than anything, But seriously, I do believe in the message maaaaaan. And now Im wondering why oh why I chose Nothings Gonna Happen. Its like trying to better Like a Rolling Stone, eer, the kiwi Like A Rolling Stone that is…. Ive got a backing track ready…..now just to sing the verses……ooooh….argggh….Sam Hunt is in town and we both send our love and thoughts. Would love to see you, but Im kindve broke and busy…..same old story…..Glad to hear youre slowly “coming back”……all my love to you and the whanau……..xodk
Kia Ora Chris, just thinking why there has been no news of your recovery? But good to hear of Allison and Martins updates. You know we are all waiting to see you kick ass again, hey no pressure, right! Gently as she goes on your rocky road ahead, but you as the fearless fighter that I know, will be bouncing back hard out.
Like David, I send my best from the frozen and tonight earth moved city of Dunedin
AROHA
ROZ
Hey, I hear there is a CD of your songs in the making. We go into the studio tomorrow, and I’ve always wanted to play “All My Hollowness to You” off 3 songs. If that’s not already taken, or even if it is, we’ll give it a go, Graeme Humphries will be playing and can help make sure we get it right, you trust him, right? Silly and brilliant; well put; but occasionally heartfelt too, for which much thanks. I’ve just watched a video of Edwyn Collins on stage again, he had a big stroke a few years ago and is touring again now, and has been producing for the past year or two.
Hi to you Chris and your family
I have just watched the news tonight (21st July) and found out that you have had a stroke. I am sorry I do not know you although now that I have seen the news item I know your music.
My husband (John) had a stroke with the same effects as you, he had it three years ago when he was 50, he is a builder and with no use of the right hand side the hammer stayed in the pouch. His speech has been affected same as yours but three years down the track that is improving all the time. He has accepted the stroke and has just got more determined to get through it. He was a great sportsman and the way he used to train for each game of pitching at softball has come out in his rehabilitation. Sure he gets very frustated that his day is the same day after day and he does sometimes feels that he has been dealt a jail sentence but as his progress becomes greater and greater he feels more and more determined to get better.
I would imagine that you being young will have the same determination as my husband and if you have days where you feel down then please try to rise above it as I can assure you that each day, week, month will get better. Everyone who has a stroke has a different story to tell and it would be great to tell you of John’s journey so that you can see it can be all goood but that would take a long time, we have found it is great to hear other peoples stories so that you can take bits out of it for your own recovery, anyway on that note lots and lots of good wishes are sent your way from our family (myself, John and our daughter) who are thinking of you and your family.
ello guv
wot the fuks a pakotai-a pakeha looking for help?
This geezer does need help- is it yo late for yrs truly to do BADGER- fer yer tribute rekid?-I need the chord shapes and lyrics man!It’s really hard livin in an empty Marshall cabinet in the back of a transit van-I’m transitory man!
Hope yr cool an breathin n recoverin,
the lone groover needs help.
Help that man-the Wild Ones.
We wanna be frre to ride and get high!
peace and lurve
Transom(check out the Floyd playing live to the Moon landing in 69-it rules man!they should never have kicked Syd out man!